|
Why do I have to go digital?
The Government plans that UK TV will switch from the current analogue system to digital over the next four years.
Why is digital TV better than analogue?
It's more efficient, so more channels can be transmitted. Today's analogue service offers five channels, but digital can offer hundreds. The picture is clearer, sound is high quality and interactive services add many extra features.
More about interactive/"red button" services…
When does digital reach my area?
Digital TV is being rolled out region by region. You'll be given plenty of warning in order to prepare for the switchover. For full information, go to Digital UK's website www.digitaluk.co.uk or call 0845 650 5050.
Find out when your region goes digital…
Do I need a new television to go digital?
No. You only need a set-top box that plugs into your existing TV via the aerial (NB these are relatively rare these days so if your TV doesn't have a Scart socket and you don't want to buy a new one, make sure you choose a set-top box that allows connection via an aerial only) or Scart socket. But you can buy integrated TVs (see below).
How do we go digital and what will it cost?
The cheapest option could well be Freeview. This is a licence fee-funded service that gives you more than 40 channels at no extra cost. A basic Freeview set-top box costs about £25, but for £200-plus you can buy an Integrated Digital TV (IDTV), which comes with Freeview or Freesat built in. To ensure you can receive Freeview use the postcode checker on the website www.freeview.co.uk, or ask when you buy your set-top box.
Find out if you can receive Freeview…
What if I can't receive Freeview?
If you can't receive Freeview, the next cheapest option is Freesat, the free satellite service from the BBC and ITV, providing up to 140 channels and covering 98 per cent of UK homes (go to www.freesat.co.uk, or call 0845 293 8240). For this you'll need a set-top box (about £50) and a satellite dish that, if you don't already have one, costs around £80 to install.
A Freesat package is also available from Sky, offering 230 channels from £150 (go to www.freesatfromsky.co.uk, or call 0844 241 0595). For even more choice, there's a huge range of cable and satellite services available that, for a monthly subscription, offer hundreds of digital channels and extra features.
What about our portable TV in the kitchen?
If it uses a rooftop aerial, it should be fine. If it doesn't, an indoor aerial designed to receive Freeview (about £20) might suffice. But you'll need either a separate set-top box or cables to connect the portable to the Freeview box attached to your main TV (see our section on upgrading).
Can we still use our VHS recorder?
Yes. You can still use your VHS to record the channel you're watching. But if you want to record one channel and watch another, you'll need either a set-top box with a second tuner for the VHS, or a digital television recorder.
Do I need to buy a new aerial?
Probably not. But if your aerial is old, or your reception is poor, you may need to upgrade it.
Will digital TV increase my energy bill?
A little - so look out for the Energy Saving Recommended logo for the most efficient boxes.
Is there any help on offer?
Yes. The Government's switchover help scheme is open to those over 75, blind or partially sighted, or on certain allowances. Call 0800 408 5900 or email info@helpscheme.co.uk.
Back to digital TV page…
Back to Digital Guide main page…
|
|
